A WATCH commander from Torquay fire station has urged people not to leave washing machines, dishwashers, or tumble dryers running unattended.

Dave Nott, commander of Blue Watch, warned people to be alert after three fire engines with 12 crew were called to a house in Torquay yesterday after a washing machine caught alight.

A middle-aged woman who lives in Fore Street, Barton, dialled 999 at around 11am yesterday reporting a fire in her conservatory.

Mr Nott said: "Fortunately the fire was contained in the washing machine. The machine was being used at the time when it short circuited causing the wiring to catch fire."

He said the woman in the property had done the 'right thing' by putting a damp towel over the machine, shutting the conservatory door, vacating the premises and calling emergency services.

But he added there weren't any smoke detectors in the property.

Two breathing apparatus and one hose reel were used to extinguish the fire and a ventilator was used to rid the property of smoke.

"Fortunately the woman was in the conservatory and noticed the fire," said Mr Nott.

He stressed the need for people to fit smoke detectors in their homes, adding: "We have also had a run of tumble dryers, washing machines and dishwashers which have short circuited causing fires. I would advise people to think before you switch these appliances on — are you going to be in while it goes through a cycle? Just be mindful — if you're going out, leave it off."

Meanwhile, fire chiefs have reiterated fire safety messages in the run up to Christmas.

Paignton watch commander Wyn Davies said: "We want to make people more aware of the dangers of fire in the run-up to Christmas.

"We want everyone to be careful with candles around the house and have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes.

"Smoke alarms are relatively inexpensive to fit so we would want to see everyone get hold of one."

The safety call comes after an elderly Paignton man was rescued on Saturday evening in Littlegate Road when he left a chip pan unattended in his kitchen. Damage was restricted thanks to his smoke alarm.